On road: the DL650 (that's the V-Strom) has a 6 speed, FI V-twin that puts out around 60 or 70 hp, compared to the 5 speed KLR around 35-40 hp. Both of them have reputations of lasting 50,000-100,000 miles, though one of them needs to be rewired and have a doohickey replaced.

Because the KLR is a Kawasaki it is clearly going to be better than a Suzuki, because the Suzuki is just a Suzuki.

It's not just the PE that was crap, I had TS125 that never ran right as well.

So Kawasakis must be better than Suzukis.

Thats the most ridicous crap I've ever heard on here! I've owned kawis that have been nothing but trouble. We're talking about current motorcycles , not something made in 1974. Some guys like their DRs, some their KLRs and some their V-Stroms... Where did old PEs and Kawis fir into this LMAO!!!

So okay..I've owned many and ridden many different types/brands as well. Street, dirt whatever.. I realize after owning a DR650..its a FACT that its not as much an offroad bike as a Honda XR650. Ride them one after another, you'll obviously see the difference, especially if you've had so much experience on bikes yourself!!!!!

Cool. I get it. Your experience leads to FACTS people should accept; whereas for everyone else, experience leads to opinions to share.

Brand aside, the basic point here is correct. By my definition the perfect adventure dual sport still is just an illusion! Imagine if you will a descent single cylinder with reliable EFI comfortably equipped with 500 to 700cc, 60HP, and a price tag in the range of either a dr650 or a klr560. Weight under 300lbs wet.
I think if it existed plenty would come, but alas not enough to make it profitable I suspect.

Thats the most ridicous crap I've ever heard on here! I've owned kawis that have been nothing but trouble. We're talking about current motorcycles , not something made in 1974. Some guys like their DRs, some their KLRs and some their V-Stroms... Where did old PEs and Kawis fir into this LMAO!!!

Cool. I get it. Your experience leads to FACTS people should accept; whereas for everyone else, experience leads to opinions to share.

Look - I'm not trying to argue with you. You Love your DR650 ..I get it! I'm saying try riding both your DR and if you can hop on a Honda XR650. You'll find these are intended to be used for the same purpose, but the Honda is just that much better in the offroad element. I'm with you, I like my Suzukis, but whats real is real. If you think I'm wrong try both, you'll agree.

Look - I'm not trying to argue with you. You Love your DR650 ..I get it! I'm saying try riding both your DR and if you can hop on a Honda XR650. You'll find these are intended to be used for the same purpose, but the Honda is just that much better in the offroad element. I'm with you, I like my Suzukis, but whats real is real. If you think I'm wrong try both, you'll agree.

Actually I have ridden both and I've found BOTH to be equally lacking.

The big difference is the fact that the XR's run really hot and you have to change the oil more often. That's why I went with the DR. Neither bike is a great dual sport. Both are just adequate dual sports.